New Orlando Attractions Opening in 2018: What You Should Know

Is a vacation to central Florida in your future? If so, you’re probably curious about what’s new and what’s next for Orlando attractions.

Well, there’s great news! New Orlando attractions include thrilling rides, top-notch entertainment, and exceptional dining options. Read on to find new things to do and places to stay, as well as get the scoop on all of the exciting new theme park attractions opening in 2018.

Toy Story Land

Walt Disney World

Summer 2018

Toy Story fans, listen up! The all-new and highly anticipated Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is set to debut this summer. As a result, the time to start planning your Disney World vacation is now.

This land brings the hit Disney-Pixar Films to life with an immersive design that makes you feel like you’ve been shrunk to the size of a toy. Accordingly, you’ll experience Toy Story Land from the perspective of your favorite toys like Buzz, Woody, and Mr. Potato Head. In addition to themed dining options and gift shops, the area will feature two amazing attractions.

Slinky Dog Dash: Prepare to zip, twist and turn on this family coaster themed after Slinky the Dog. The track will mimic the stretches created by Andy as he plays with Slinky’s coils.

Alien Swirling Saucers: Everybody’s favorite green aliens from Pizza Planet as the star of this attraction, which is designed as a top play set. Watch as aliens fly around in toy saucers, then try to escape as before they capture your rocket vehicle with “The Claw.”

Check out everything new at Disney World, this year and beyond, with our guide.

Fast & Furious—Supercharged

Universal Orlando Resort

Spring 2018

Over at Universal Studios, guests can gear up for a new ride based on the Fast & Furious franchise. Get ready to fuel up on fun as you ride in vehicles, specially designed for Universal Orlando Resort, as you go on a high-speed with the movies thrill-seeking family.

Disney Skyliner

Walt Disney World

Summer 2018

Anyone who is familiar with Disney World knows the theme parks are huge. Massive, really. As such, navigating the parks and transporting guests from one park to the next constantly keeps imagineers on their toes. Their latest invention is the Disney Skyliner, a gondola-style transportation system allowing for easy travel between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Three on-site hotels, Caribbean Beach Resort, Pop Century, and Art of Animation will also utilize the Skyliner. To add to the fun, each gondola has a Disney theme. Over time, the Disney Skyliners are set to expand in order to provide further access to the rest of the park.

New Nighttime Lagoon Show

Universal Orlando Resort

2018

The yet-to-be-titled, new nighttime lagoon show will feature animated characters, lighting and special effects. It will replace “Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories” show.

Infinity Falls

SeaWorld Orlando

Summer 2018

Families looking to make a splash this summer should head to SeaWorld Orlando. This Orlando theme park is debuting Infinity Falls, a raft ride down a long jungle river. Along the way, riders encounter fountains, waterfalls, and the remains of a lost civilization. It also features the tallest drop of its kind, creating a thrilling experience for those of all ages!

Ray Rush

Aquatica Orlando

Spring 2018

At SeaWorld’s sister park, Aquatica, Ray Rush is set to deliver guests an all-new way to slide, splash and soar. Rides will travel through enclosed tubes and transparent spheres before encountering an open-air half-pipe shaped like a manta ray. In addition, the raft ride features water jets, a water sphere, and dives, all of which combine to create colossal thrills.

The Great LEGO Race

LEGOLAND Florida Resort

Spring 2018

The Great LEGO Race takes Project X, LEGOLAND’s existing coaster, and adds virtual reality technology. As a result, it puts kids in the driver seat for a totally awesome, upgraded experience. Kids will love racing their way through a land filled with LEGO blocks! That’s not the only thing new at LEGOLAND Florida Resort, though. Other additions include miniland models and a 4D movie.

Aventura Hotel

Universal Orlando Resort

August 2018

Universal Orlando Resort guests will have a sleek, modern place to stay come late summer 2018. The Aventura Hotel, Universal’s sixth onsite resort, is a 16-story, glass tower-style hotel with a rooftop bar and grill, kid suites, and views of all three Universal parks. In addition, hotel guests will enjoy exclusive amenities like early park admission and complimentary onsite transportation.

Margaritaville Resort Orlando

Summer 2018

Where better to drift away on a sunshine day than the Sunshine state? At Margaritaville Resort, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a little slice of Margaritaville right here in Orlando. The resort makes it easy to do just this as it will have 175 guestrooms, 1,000 vacation homes, and 300 timeshare units. There will also be a dining and entertainment district, 12-acre waterpark, wellness center, fitness trails, on-site water taxi system and more.

Disney Springs

When Downtown Disney was relaunched as Disney Springs the expansion efforts included doubling the number of shops, restaurants, and other attractions. These new Orlando attractions have been rolled out in phases. Notably, for 2018, there are several new restaurants opening adding extra flavor to the Orlando dining scene. Take a look!

Wine Bar George

Early 2018

At Wine Bar George master sommelier George Miliotes creates a unique place to sip, sit and eat. Infused with the themes of a winemaker’s estate, the vibe is very warm and cozy. Small plates dominate the menu as wines have a starring role. And, with over 100 to choose from, every palate will be pleased.

Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill

2018

Experience a taste of California in the heart of Florida at this new Wolfgang Puck restaurant.

Jaleo

2018

Chef Jose Andres will helm this new Spanish concept restaurant.

In addition to these restaurants, The Edison, Terralina Crafter Italian, Maria & Enzo’s, and Pizza Pointe have all recently opened as well.

Pandora, Disney Theme Parks Copyright

Highlights from New Orlando Attractions in 2017

Pandora

Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World opened the long-awaited Pandora – The World of Avatar in 2017. Floating mountains, bioluminescent rainforest, and a banshee flying attraction, as well as after dark entertainment, has completely transformed the Animal Kingdom.

Volcano Bay, Universal Orlando Resort Copyright

Volcano Bay

Universal Orlando Resort

Volcano Bay, a new Orlando water park, debuted in 2017. The highly-themed, immersive topical environment is located Universal Orlando Resort south of Cabana Bay Beach Resort.

There’s Always Something New in Orlando

These are some of the highlights of new Orlando attractions in 2018. Start making vacation plans now to be one of the first to experience these world-class additions to Central Florida.

Ashley is Reserve Direct’s travel expert, visiting Orlando to find the best travel tips, money-saving deals and insider information. With over 10 years of experience in first-hand-travel adventures, she shares her stories, advice, and current events to help you stay in the know.